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Thank you to BellazB08 and Hawtalon. of. Windclan for the reviews! Here's the next chapter. Be warned, this is a long chapter but I felt that this should not be broken down so it is all in a long chapter.

Enjoy your read.


Carlisle's POV

(A/N: all italics will be Carlisle's thoughts directed at Edward.)

I enjoy hunting alone. It is easier because I do not have to worry about anyone else and whether they had a good hunt. Nothing beats the feeling of self-accomplishment and the rush of adrenaline when I move for the kill. Just the prey and me, nothing and no one else. Of course, the prey is always filled with fear at the threat that I posed. Fear clings to their flesh like the body heat that humans possess and the smell of it permeates the air. Many flee and that would save their measly lives if my kind weren't the best predators in existence. Unfortunately for the poor animals, we are. The other benefit of hunting alone is that no competition exists from another vampire. It was simple. Hunt and go home. Now, I no longer have that luxury.

I am made up of two parts. One is Carlisle Cullen, a young, charming doctor. This part of me was the part that I would rather keep if I had to choose between the two. When I walked amongst humans, I emitted calmness, intelligence, kindness, and compassion. While this part of myself is the one that I assume most of the time and was able to maintain through infallible self-control, my other part was always fighting for dominance over my being.

Usually, I do not let that part win. The only time that the vampire part emerges is on the hunt. When that part finally breaks through my barriers, I am no longer Carlisle Cullen but an absolute, true vampire. A vampire on the hunt, bloodthirsty and out of control, is truly a being to fear. Even to another vampire.

I decided to keep it simple for Edward's first hunt. The poor boy was close to his breaking point. I pitied him but this time of his life will soon pass, I was sure of it. He was merely new to this world but he would adjust in time. We all did. We had to, really. It was either adjust or go mad. The first hunt would be the worst because of the simplicity of itself. It was the first time when Edward would see me reveal my true nature and it would also be a first for him to give himself to his senses. The drinking of blood at the house really didn't count because he didn't have time to go into a frenzy. I had literally forced him to drink from that container.

This time, it would be different because Edward will hunt with me. I dashed around the house getting ready. I changed into "hunting-appropriate" clothes, as I called them. "Hunting-appropriate" clothes consisted of thick boots, dark pants, and a thick shirt, usually wool or fleece. I also made sure that the house was in order and put away anything fragile or breakable simply because I'm paranoid and didn't want to take chances with Edward. He might still be out of control when we came back to the house. I hoped that I could prevent that but it was always better to be prepared, just in case.

Edward really didn't know exactly what was going to happen yet. For that I was grateful and I tried not to think about it too much until it was necessary. I thought about mindless things like cleaning up the house and getting ready to leave.

Finally, I was ready physically. It was a different matter entirely in the mental sense. I was not ready for Edward to experience everything associated with hunting, but he must if he is to survive.

Let's go.

Edward followed me out of the door with a confused expression. I was still not thinking about hunting but instead reciting all the two-hundred and six bones in the human body over and over.

"Carlisle, what are you hiding from me?" Edward asked cautiously.

I will tell you in a few moments. Just follow me for now. I picked up the pace from a human walk into a full-out run with Edward right beside me, keeping up easily. We ran until we were deep into the woods. I knew of a clearing and I was planning on taking Edward there to explain everything.

We reached the clearing in no time at all. It was located in the thickest part of the forest. No human knew of this spot. It was beautiful and small. Lush green grass stretched from one end to another. The trees and vegetation came to an abrupt stop at the edge of the clearing. Peace occupied the serene air. A relaxing place, no less. (A/N: picture on my profile)

I plopped down in the soft grass and closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of fresh grass under me. Edward lithely sank to the ground beside me and said nothing. I sighed and groaned internally. I was not ready for this but this was the best time. I sat up and turned to face my new companion fully. I decided to conduct my side of the conversation entirely in thought.

Edward, I began heavily. What we are about to do is hunt.

Edward's face froze in shock as he understood what I meant.

I brought you here to explain briefly what exactly happens when a vampire is on the hunt.

Edward's face was still frozen in shock. His mouth was hanging open slightly and his eyes were glazed over, unblinking. He did not move an inch.

I sighed and continued. A vampire on the hunt is nothing short of dangerous. It would be catastrophic if you were near humans. When a vampire is on the hunt, their body is no longer being controlled by their mind. Rather, their senses control their body; the most dominant being the sense of smell.

I paused to check how Edward was coping. He was not taking it well. I did not expect him to. His expression was no different. I waited for him to process all this information before continuing.

Approximately five minutes passed before I felt that Edward had recovered enough to absorb more information and continued.

One drink of blood does not sustain us forever. It is only enough to last for two weeks at the most. As the days increase since a previous feeding, the burning in our throats increases and therefore, we get thirsty. Then we know that we must hunt again.

I glanced at his face again and the poor boy was about to lose it.

Edward?

Edward burst into tearless sobs. I was suddenly filled with empathy and understanding. I had once been in the exact spot he was in now, only then I had no one to help me. All these years ago, I had been alone. Edward was fortunate. I wrapped my arms around his shaking body and just held him.

"Why must it be like this?!" Edward agonized. "Why does this have to be so hard?!"

I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath. I said nothing. Let him vent it out, it was good for him.

"I don't understand," Edward continued in a broken voice. "How can the world be so cruel?"

I let out a grim chuckle. He was dead on target. The world was indeed cruel but we must accept what we are given and deal with it. I had learned that long ago. That was the simple reason that I became a doctor. I felt like I had to make up for what I had become.

"Really?" Edward questioned with his eyes on mine. His lip was still trembling from his crying a few moments ago. "You feel that way?"

Ah, he had been listening in on my thoughts. It was extremely convenient now. "Yes, Edward." I replied gently. "I do."

Edward gazed off into the distance for a moment. Then, he suddenly looked like he was about to lose it again. He caught himself and took a moment to compose himself. "You seemed like you had more to say, Carlisle and thank you for thinking the things you did, that greatly comforted me."

Your welcome, and you're right. I do have more to say, but the question is not about me. It is about you. Do you want to hear more?

"Yes," he replied calmly. "I apologize for my behavior. That was inexcusable."

I gawked at him. Who did he think he was, Superman? "Edward!" I spoke for the first time. "It is not inexcusable! You reacted in a normal way! I would not have reacted any differently if I were in your shoes. No one is invincible over emotion. Emotions are a gift. Understand that, Edward." I gazed intently into his eyes, trying to get the message across.

He nodded curtly, his jaw set. I sighed. I would not be winning this argument today, but perhaps some other time. As I was saying, Edward, a vampire cannot last long without feeding. The loss of blood in our body makes us extremely thirsty and weak. Therefore, it is harder to resist and the humans near us are at great risk. Do you understand thus far, Edward?

I looked at his face for affirmation and received a nod.

I will guide you in the right direction for this hunt. After you catch a scent, just follow through. Do not resist, let your senses take over. Your body knows what to do. Are you ready, my son? I rose from the ground and waited for Edward. I was ready to get this over with.

Edward took a deep breath and rose from the ground. "I doubt I'll ever be ready for this but let's get on with it."

I chuckled. Then let's hunt. I moved into a run and was out of the clearing in one stride with Edward beside me. I will hunt first so you can have an idea of what it's like and what to do. We will only hunt deer today. They are an easy kill. Edward shuddered at that word. I know, my son. Believe me, I know. But animals are far better than people, no?

Edward's face suddenly was whiter than paper. If he could've fainted, he would have.

Aye, but remind me to explain something to you when we finish and go back to the house. I sniffed the air and caught the scent of deer a mile away. It was a fairly large herd from the smell of it. Take a deep breath, Edward. What do you smell? Edward took a deep breath and I knew he caught the scent. He looked at me with fear in his eyes. Smell it? Edward nodded. Then watch me when I hunt. Then you may catch your own kill. But move swiftly, these deer won't just stand there and enjoy the scenery, waiting for you to kill them. They will flee.

Edward nodded once to show that he understood. He looked like he was about to lose control, though. Hold your breath if you need to. It helps. Edward looked surprised but did as I suggested. I was breathing normally, waiting for Edward to compose himself before hunting myself. It was vital that Edward watched this hunt, it would set the basics for him when he hunted himself. Edward nodded once again to show that he was in control. As soon as he gave his nod, I released my grip on the part that was Carlisle Cullen and became a true vampire in every sense of the word. I surrendered myself wholly to the vampire and took off in a full-out run. In seconds, I reached the herd and every deer shot their head up and began to flee but they did not have time to go far. For in the same instant that shot their head up, I sprang.

I landed on top of a doe. She struggled but ceased as soon as I bit into her neck and began to gorge myself on her blood. Ahh, the burning in my throat was instantly relieved. I regained control for a moment to look up to check on Edward and saw him still standing off to a distance with a stunned look on his face. He will have to wait, for I was not finished with this particular deer. I turned back to the bleeding doe and gorged myself again on her blood.

When I was done, I rose and left the drained doe where she was. The herd was completely gone with no evidence of their previous presence. Edward? I asked, concerned.

"H-How-how did you do that?" asked Edward, his voice filled with disbelief and shock.

I smiled kindly. I did what every vampire does. Hunt. You do not need to know how to do it. Your body knows, it's ingrained into every fiber of your being. Do not worry yourself on rights and wrongs. In this game, there are no wrongs.

"But how does your body know?" Edward questioned, confused.

The same way that you know everything else. It's called instinct. You just simply know some things without being previously taught.

"Is it my turn?" Edward asked with fear creeping into his voice.

I am not completely satisfied. I must hunt another deer in order to be completely satisfied. You can watch again if you wish but I expect you to catch your own kill before the herd completely escapes. Can you do that?

"I don't know. It looks so hard." Edward responded.

Trust me, it's not. It's very easy when you give yourself to your senses. I know from long experience. Do not underestimate the vampire within you. It knows what to do.

"I can try," Edward bit his lip.

You can do it, I encouraged. In no time, this will be a breeze to you.

Edward sighed in surrender and nodded his assent.

Then let's go. I personally cannot wait to get some more deer in me.

Edward shuddered.

I laughed and moved again into a flat-out run with Edward beside me. I caught the scent of the same herd, plus some fear mixed into it. Oh, before I forget. You can get more deer if you need it. Do whatever it takes to satisfy your thirst, you are more thirsty because you are a newborn.

Edward grimaced but nodded curtly.

It was the last thing I saw before I gave myself to my senses and hunted the deer with Edward growling savagely beside me.


Good, bad, so-so? I apologize for the length of the chapter but I couldn't stop myself. The words kept coming and coming and what could I do??

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